FINALLY

Mothering: Pop singer Britney Spears announced the birth of her baby boy Thursday, saying on her website that everyone was happy and healthy.

Retiring: Paul Kellogg, New York City Opera’s general and artistic director, announced plans to retire in June 2007 after more than 11 years with the company. Kellogg, 68, also said Thursday that he will step down as artistic director of the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, N.Y., at the end of its 2006 summer season.

Touring: Kanye West will begin a national concert tour Oct. 11 in Miami. Three Southern California dates are scheduled, with ticket information to be announced: Dec. 2 in San Diego and Dec. 3-4 at Gibson Amphitheatre in North Hollywood.

Opening: NBC News said it is opening a bureau in New Orleans to better coordinate its coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Correspondents Martin Savidge and Lisa Myers will be the first to work in the bureau.